Top Reasons to Live in San Mateo, CA

Home prices are steadily rising. The median sales price is $689,000, which is an increase of 8.5% from last year. That means you have some time to still get a home in your price range before prices go up even more. Check around the North Central and Shoreview neighborhoods for available homes.

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Lots of cute critters. CuriOdyssey at Coyote Point lets you see, touch and interact with native and exotic wildlife, including big-horned owls and blue-tongued skinks. Plus, there are everyday opportunities to spot seals and other marine life at scenic places, like Seal Point Park.

Parks galore. If you're looking for a place to play baseball or hike for miles, San Mateo has a dozen neighborhood parks, nine community centers and a series of regional parks along the shoreline, including Beresford Park and Ryder Park. If you don't have a country club membership, you can still enjoy a relaxing game of golf at the city-owned Poplar Creek Golf Course.

Shoppers' delight. San Mateo has Hillsdale Shopping Center, which includes everything from a Nordstrom to a Forever 21. Those with more eclectic tastes may enjoy Squires & Corrie Slot Machines, a funky antique store focused entirely on slot machines. For a more conventional antiques store, head to The Pickled Hutch on El Camino Real.

Ramen, the good kind, not the cheap stuff. San Mateo is blessed with some of the most innovative Japanese ramen restaurants in all of California. If the Ramen Dojo is too crowded, just head down the road to Himawari on 2nd Avenue, which also serves fantastic stewed pork.

Neighborhoods close to the water. Whether you're looking to buy a home outright or rent to own, San Mateo has a wealth of options near the water. Many homes in the Baywood neighborhood date back to the 1920s, yet the area also has several high-rise apartment buildings. The Sugarloaf neighborhood off of Highway 92 features breathtaking views of the water and surrounding mountains.

Impressive appreciation rates. Homes in San Mateo have appreciated 16.8% over the past five years. Look around the San Mateo Park area or near Parrott Dr. for the best appreciation rates on homes for sale or rent-to-own homes.

Pedestrian-friendly downtown. The narrow, winding streets are more suited to walkers than drivers. From historic buildings to public art, downtown San Mateo has many sights and sounds that are best experienced at a slow pace. The city's 16-acre Central Park is the perfect place to enjoy a hot dog and watch street performers.

Take the 101 to San Francisco or San Jose. San Mateo is well-situated between San Francisco and San Jose for people who routinely travel to these hubs. If you don't feel like tackling the traffic on Highway 101, catch an affordable train ride on the Caltrain.

Fresh food out the wazoo. The San Mateo Farmers' Market is the premier purveyor of fresh fruits and veggies in the area. For fresh salmon and seafood, try the Crystal Springs Fish & Poultry on De Anza Boulevard.1

Gardens and gardeners. The Golden Nursery on 2nd Avenue can meet all of your growing needs. If you need inspiration for your next outdoor project, head to the San Mateo Arboretum Society's Kohl Pumphouse.1

Charming historic districts. The San Mateo Park neighborhood is full of charming 1920s-era houses that have been impeccably maintained. For a historic neighborhood with everything from apartments to mansions, take a tour of Western Hills.